Owner Information
Welcome to the Exciting World of Horse Ownership!
Resources for Horse Owners
Please see Racing Office for Horseman or contact the Racing Secretary by calling (604)–216–1605.
The Condition & Stakes Books are also available on our website.
As a GPEB licensed owner/trainer of Thoroughbred horses, you are automatically a member of the HBPA of British Columbia.
For further information, please contact Neil Stajkowski, Secretary-Treasurer, by calling (604)-831-8408.
The Bookkeeper’s office is located in the racing office.
Horsemen with a GST number are required to have their number on file with the Bookkeeper in order to have tax collected on their behalf. Subject to GPED regulations, purse money is held for 48 hours following the race. Owners claiming a horse must have sufficient funds on account with the Bookkeeper prior to the filing of the claim.
Hours of Operation:
- On race days are: 1 hour prior to 1st race to penultimate race post.
- Non-race days call (604)-216-5226 or email at cristan@bctoba.com.
Owners’ parking is provided to each licensed owner each day in the Horsemen’s Lot located through Gate 9.
The lot is for the use of current GPEB license holders.
Each owner must have their own set of racing silks that the jockey wears while riding your horse in a race.
Racing silks can be custom made, where you pick your own colour (or combination of colours), logo or design, etc., and are exclusive to your horse or horses.
For the convenience of our horse owners, Heritage Racing Designs is located on the grounds of the racecourse for personalized racing silks.
Visit Heritage Racing Designs or call Anne MacLennan at (604)-253-6164 to learn more and place your order.
For winner’s circle pictures and/or other racing photos, please contact Four Footed Fotos:
Four Footed Fotos offers state of the art digital professional photography and is located on the main level of the Grandstand, just inside the main doors in front of the Winner’s Circle.
Owners Benefits
- Owners receive a complimentary program on the day their horse runs. These may be picked up at any program outlet.
- Upon request, information on nominations, entries, workouts, etc., can be provided to you by contacting the race office or on the Hastings Racecourse & Casino website. If you would like them faxed or emailed, simply contact the racing office and we will endeavour to send them to you as quickly as possible.
- Owners with horses in Stake races receive a complimentary table in Silks Restaurant.
- Parking is provided to each licensed owner each day in the Horsemen’s Lot located through Gate 9. The lot is for the use of current GPEB license holders.
Psssst – Want to Buy a Race Horse?
There are several different ways to get involved in the fun and excitement of Thoroughbred Horse Ownership.
Step One: Acquire an experienced and trusted advisor (preferably a trainer or trusted blood stock agent that you have selected to do your business with).
Step Two: Decide if you want a horse that is already racing, or one that is beginning it’s career.
There are four options to acquiring a racehorse:
- Public Auction
- Claiming Race
- Private Purchase
- Joining a Syndicate
Ways to Acquire a Race Horse
Public Auction
You may purchase a horse at a Public auction. The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society holds a sale once a year. They feature weanlings, (horses which are less than 1 year old), yearlings (horses that will turn 2 years old on January 1st and eligible to run), horses of racing age (they could be from 2 year olds and up and have already been running but are now for sale), and broodmares (horses that no longer run and could or already have produced offspring) For information on sale dates contact the CTHS office @ 604.574.0145 (Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30)
Claiming Race
You can claim a horse during any live racing season. Claiming races are races in which every horse running may be claimed (bought) under Gaming Policy and Enforcement Branch (Racing Division) regulations. Claiming prices at Hastings range from $4000- 50,000.You must be approved by the Stewards and issued an open claim (3 – 4 day process) before you claim a horse.
Private Purchase
You also may purchase a horse privately from another owner, breeder, or trainer. It is beneficial to have advice from an experienced trainer or bloodstock agent, as well as having a veterinarian examine the horse prior to purchasing.
Joining a Syndicates
Syndicates and partnerships are becoming increasingly popular. Owners can share the cost with other members. A syndicate can be formed many different ways. You can find the other members yourself, or you can use a professional syndicate manager.
Licensing
The Gaming Policy and Enforcement Division Licensing Office is located in the Racing Office adjacent to the Horsemen’s Bookkeeper.
License applications are processed at the following times during the live season:
• Monday and Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday, Thursday, & Friday: 6AM to 12PM
• Live Race Days – 6:00AM to Last Race
To contact the Licensing Office, please call:
(604)-660-9090.